its paltry provisions "seriously incommoding the administration of our trust funds," that the real strength of
the bill lies in the direction we have pointed out, and that what remains to give it greater efficiency will have
to be found in that direction also. Meanwhile our statesmen may learn from the same source what chance
there is of any retrogression on the part of Rome to render needless a less stringent legislation. Lord John
Russell threw out a sort of hope that his Holiness might retreat from his demands, if no further notice were
taken of them; as Billy Lackaday in the farce delays answering the bell that he may tire the people in the
parlour into waiting on themselves. But no such disposition is likely to show itself at the Flaminian or any
other gate. Hear what the Tablet says of the present determination existing in the Vatican with respect to the
Irish Hierarchy: "A weak and easy priest chosen at this moment to fill up a vacant diocese in Ireland,
might give a vote to the Castle on the side of the Colleges, and turn a 'minority of thirteen' into
something very like a majority. Accordingly we may be sure that in Ireland no less than in England
vacancies will not be filled up without the fullest assurance that the new bishop can be depended
on to go all prudent and necessary lengths in opposition to government intrigues. If the election of
the clergy does not give this security, some other method of attaining it must and will be found out in
Rome; and if Lord John Russell has small fancy for Dr. Cullen's appointment to Armagh, perhaps he may
have just as little occasion to rejoice in the appointments that will follow." Whatever party of statesmen
may now succeed in reconstructing the administration, they can hardly say, after this, that they have not had
ample warning of where the real danger lies against which it will be their duty to protect both the English
and Irish people, both the Catholic and Protestant laity.

Uncertain as all the promises of the session have suddenly become, and premature as further comment
may prove to be on the immediate and shifting changes and negotiations of the hour, the hope is at least
permitted us that none of the turns of the political wheel may intercept such reforms already within
sight as that of some scheme for a General Registry of Deeds, and the proposition for the removal of
Smithfield. Lord John Russell's promise of a bill next session for the Extension of the Franchise is meanwhile
become a piece of history. The country counts upon that, and looks forward to it, as an advantage already
won. Out of all the present loss or discomfiture of the Whigs, this, at any rate, is a popular gain secured,
which no future combinations or coalitions of parties will have strength any longer to resist. Though the
late premier thought fit to oppose a motion for further reform so reasonable as that of Mr. Locke King,
whose successful division led to the existing crisis, he had yet the wisdom as well as courage (of which, in
coming danger, the noble instincts never seem to desert him) to throw out an anchor of safety against
the evil of his own opposition. It saved him the allegiance of reformers at the very moment of his
resistance to reform, and will the better enable him now to construct an administration, should the chance
still present itself, powerful where its predecessor was weak, in the sympathy and good wishes of the people.

NARRATIVE OF PARLIAMENT AND
POLITICS.

Parliament assembled on Tuesday, the 4th inst., the
Session being opened by the Queen in person, with the
usual formalities. Her Majesty was attired in a white
satin brocade, embroidered with gold, wore a tiara of
diamonds, and appeared in excellent health and spirits.
The royal speech was as follows—

"My Lords and Gentlemen,

"It is with great satisfaction that I again meet my
Parliament, and resort to your advice and assistance in
the consideration of measures which affect the welfare
of our country.

"I continue to maintain the relations of peace and
amity with Foreign Powers. It has been my endeavour
to induce the States of Germany to carry into full effect
the provisions of the treaty with Denmark which was
concluded at Berlin in the month of July of last year.
I am much gratified in being able to inform you that
the German Confederation and the Government of
Denmark are now engaged in fulfilling the stipulations
of that treaty, and thereby putting an end to hostilities
which at one time appeared full of danger to the peace
of Europe.

"I trust that the affairs of Germany may be arranged
by mutual agreement, in such a manner as to preserve
the strength of the Confederation and to maintain the
freedom of its separate States.

"I have concluded with the King of Sardinia articles
additional to the treaty of September, 1841, and I have
directed that those articles shall be laid before you.

"The Government of Brazil has taken new and I hope
efficient measures for the suppression of the atrocious
traffic in slaves.

"Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
"I have directed the Estimates of the year to be
prepared and laid before you without delay. They
have been framed with a due regard to economy, and
to the necessities of the public service.

"My Lords and Gentlemen,
"Notwithstanding the large reductions of taxation
which have been effected in late years, the receipts of
the revenue have been satisfactory.

"The state of the commerce and manufactures of the
United Kingdom has been such as to afford general
employment to the labouring classes.

"I have to lament, however, the difficulties which
are still felt by that important body among my people
who are owners and occupiers of land. But it is my
confident hope, that the prosperous condition of other
classes of my subjects will have a favourable effect in
diminishing those difficulties, and promoting the interests
of agriculture.

"The recent assumption of certain ecclesiastical titles
conferred by a Foreign Power has excited strong feelings
in this country; and large bodies of my subjects have
presented addresses to me, expressing attachment to
the Throne, and praying that such assumptions should
be resisted. I have assured them of my resolution to
maintain the rights of my crown, and the independence
of the nation, against all encroachment, from whatever
quarter it may proceed. I have, at the same time,
expressed my earnest desire and firm determination,
under God's blessing, to maintain unimpaired the
religious liberty which is so justly prized by the people
of this country. It will be for you to consider the
measure which will be laid before you on this subject.

"The administration of justice in the several departments
of Law and Equity will no doubt receive the
serious attention of Parliament; and I feel confident
that the measures which may be submitted, with a view
of improving that administration, will be discussed
with that mature deliberation which important changes
in the highest courts of judicature in the kingdom
imperatively demand.

"A measure will be laid before you providing for the
establishment of a system of registration of deeds and
instruments relating to the transfer of property. This
measure is the result of inquiries which I have caused
to be made into the practicability of adopting a system
of registration calculated to give security to titles,
and to diminish the causes of litigation to which they
have hitherto been liable, and to reduce the cost of
transfers.

"To combine the progress of improvement with the